61% of people throw out leftovers from summer BBQs – Too Good To Go research reveals
Too Good To Go research finds 61% of consumers admit throwing out leftovers from summer BBQ gatherings
Print27 May 2026
As summer BBQ season gets underway, recent research from Too Good To Go has revealed the extent of food waste taking place at outdoor gatherings, with 61% of people admitting they throw out leftovers from summer BBQs.
A recent survey of 1,000 people conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Too Good To Go highlights how overbuying and poor food storage habits are contributing to unnecessary food waste during the warmer months.
According to respondents, salads are the most commonly wasted item after a BBQ, with 50% saying they are regularly left uneaten and discarded. Side dishes and bread followed closely behind, both cited by 30% of respondents.
61% overestimating how much food is needed
When asked why food goes to waste at summer gatherings, more than 60% said the main reason is overestimating how much food is needed for guests.
Meanwhile, 45% blamed food spoiling more quickly in warm weather, while 22% pointed to a lack of refrigeration or suitable storage options outdoors.
Machaela O’Leary, Key Accounts manager at Too Good To Go said: “Summer BBQs are a great way to bring people together, but they can also lead to significant food waste if we’re not mindful about planning portions and storing food correctly.
“Small changes such as preparing realistic quantities, keeping food chilled, and finding creative ways to reuse leftovers can make a big difference.
“With almost half of respondents estimating that they spend more than €20 buying food for each barbecue session, that means than any waste is bad for the pocket as well as bad for the planet”.
The findings come as households continue to look for practical ways to save money and reduce food waste.
Too Good To Go is encouraging consumers to plan ahead before hosting BBQs by checking portion sizes, storing food safely and repurposing leftovers into meals for the following days.
Tips to reduce BBQ food waste include:
- Plan portions carefully based on guest numbers
- Keep salads and perishable foods refrigerated until serving
- Store leftovers promptly after eating
- Reuse leftover bread, salads and cooked meats in lunches and next-day meals
- Freeze surplus food where possible
Read more: Irish shoppers save two million ‘Surprise Bags’ through Too Good To Go
© 2026, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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